Flavoring agent

Abstract

The enhancement of foodstuffs is effected by the addition of a small but effective flavor-modifying amount of a compound from the compounds having the general formulae: CH3COCOCH2-CH-R ¦ CH3 wherein R is an ethyl or propyl group; CH3COCOR wherein R is an alkyl or a phenyl group; and C2H5COCOR wherein R is an alkyl or a phenyl group.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A composition selected from the group consisting of foodstuffs and beverages to which has been added an effective flavor-improving amount of an alpha-diketone selected from the group having the general formula: ##EQU2## wherein R is an ethyl or propyl group. 
     
     
       2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the added alpha-diketone is 5-methyl-heptanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the added alpha-diketone is 5-methyl-octanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       4. A soluble coffee material to which has been added thereto a minor, but flavor-modifying amount of a compound selected from the group having the general formula: ##EQU3## wherein R is an ethyl or propyl group. 
     
     
       5. The soluble coffee of claim 4 wherein the added compound is 5-methyl-heptanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       6. The soluble coffee of claim 4 wherein the added compound is 5-methyl-octanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       7. A process for the alteration of the flavor of a composition selected from the group consisting of foodstuffs and beverages which comprises adding thereto a minor, but flavor-modifying amount of an alpha-diketone selected from the group having the general formula: ##EQU4## wherein R is an ethyl or propyl group. 
     
     
       8. The process of claim 7 wherein the added compound is 5-methyl-heptanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       9. The process of claim 7 wherein the added compound is 5-methyl-octanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       10. A process for the alteration of the natural flavor of soluble coffee material which comprises adding thereto a minor, but flavor-modifying amount of an alpha-diketone selected from the group having the general formula: ##EQU5## wherein R is an ethyl or propyl group. 
     
     
       11. The process of claim 10 wherein the added compound is 5-methyl-heptanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       12. The process of claim 10 wherein the added compound is 5-methyl-octanedione-2,3. 
     
     
       13. A soluble coffee material to which has been added an effective flavor-improving amount of 5-methyl-heptane-3,4-dione. 
     
     
       14. A composition selected from the group consisting of foodstuffs and beverages to which has been added an effective flavor-improving amount of 5-methyl-heptane-3,4-dione. 
     
     
       15. A process for the alteration of the flavor of a composition selected from the group consisting of foodstuffs and beverages which comprises adding thereto a minor, but flavor-modifying amount of 5-methyl-heptane-3,4-dione. 
     
     
       16. A process for the alteration of the natural flavor of soluble coffee material which comprises adding thereto a minor, but flavor-modifying amount of 5-methyl-heptane-3,4-dione.